Add the Corn Palace to Your South Dakota Road Trip—It’s A-MAIZ-ING!
If you’re road tripping through South Dakota, don’t miss one of the state’s quirkiest attractions—the World’s Only Corn Palace! Located in Mitchell, this corn-covered building is a must-see roadside stop that’s as a-maiz-ing as it is unexpected.
Looking for quirky roadside attractions to spice up your South Dakota road trip? Don’t miss the World’s Only Corn Palace in Mitchell—this kernel of Americana is an a-maiz-ing detour that promises photo ops, fun facts, and surprisingly impressive corn art. Yes, really.
From 1887 to 1930, over 30 crop palaces were built across the Midwest, but only Mitchell’s Corn Palace still stands. Today, it’s a proud symbol of local heritage and one of the most unique attractions in the U.S.
Why was the Corn Palace built?
Back in 1892, Mitchell was a modest prairie town with fewer than 3,000 residents, dirt roads, wooden sidewalks, and a lot of ambition. Leaders wanted to draw settlers and attention to the region—and they needed something flashy.
Their inspiration? Crop palaces. Cities across the Great Plains were constructing ornate buildings made from grains to celebrate local agriculture and attract settlers. Sioux City, Iowa, was the first to build a Corn Palace in 1887, but after a series of tragedies, their palace was demolished.
Mitchell seized the opportunity and ran with it—literally building its future out of corn.
Say cheese with Cornelius
Start your visit with a selfie alongside Cornelius, the six-foot-tall smiling cob of corn just across the street from the main building. This cheerful mascot sets the tone for the corny charm that awaits inside.
Marvel at the corn-tastic murals
Even if you don’t step inside, the exterior of the Corn Palace is worth the stop. Designed in Moorish Revival style, the building is covered with giant murals made from 13 shades of corn, natural grasses, and grains.
Every single ear of corn is sliced lengthwise and nailed into place by hand. New murals debut each year, so every visit is different!
Step inside the palace (it’s free!)
Once you’ve admired the outside, head in to explore the Corn Palace’s quirky interior. The ground level houses exhibits that tell the story of Mitchell, nearby prairie towns, and the palace’s creation.
Upstairs, you’ll find a fine art gallery with rural-inspired works and a 3,200-seat arena. This very arena once hosted Mount Rushmore sculptor Gutzon Borglum, who revealed his plans for the now-iconic mountain monument here in 1925. Today, the space hosts concerts, sporting events, and festivals.
Visit during the Corn Palace Festival
If you’re lucky enough to be passing through in late August, you might catch the Corn Palace Festival—a five-day celebration that transforms downtown into a full-blown party. There are carnival rides, parades, food vendors (yes, corn is on the menu), and nightly concerts. Past performers include Roy Rogers, Willie Nelson, Pat Benatar, and “Weird Al” Yankovic.
A corny stop that’s totally worth it
Sure, it’s kitschy. But it’s also charming, historic, and unexpectedly impressive. If you’re road-tripping through South Dakota on I-90, the billboards for the Corn Palace will tempt you with puns. Take the bait. Take the exit.
Whether you’re snapping pics with Cornelius, admiring the artistry of corn murals, or rocking out at a festival concert, the Corn Palace is a fun, family-friendly stop that belongs on every South Dakota bucket list!
Where is Corn Palace?
The Corn Palace is located at 604 Main Street in downtown Mitchell, South Dakota. Just off I-90, take Exit 330 or 332—it’s an easy and worthwhile detour for any road trip across the state!
